Ask The Expert

 

Tim:    Well Al, my RV is stored away, I guess there is nothing to do until the better weather arrives.
Al:       Actually Tim, there are several things to do, such as a “unit inspection”.
Tim:    What the heck is a “unit inspection”?
Al:       It’s simple Al, just take a few moments and inspect your unit. Is everything ok, inside and out. Has your unit suffered from the ravages of winter? It’s also time to refill your Dry-Z-Air containers with new crystals.
Tim:    What else should I check?
Al:       You can check your fridge for any mould, and if so clean again with soap and bleach and then install an ozonator.
Tim:    Al, what is an ozonator?
Al:       An ozonator is a small device that produces ozone. Ozone delays the harmful growth of mould and bacteria, thereby saving food from spoiling during the RV season
Tim:    Gee Al, I see you need to spend money to save money.
Al:       Something else to do is visually inspect all your vent lids.
Tim:    Do you mean the crank-up ones?
Al:       Yes Tim. You want to check for cracks and any water penetration, due to snow load or tree branches.
Tim:    That’s good Al…when the better weather comes, I’ll be off and “on the road again”.
Al:       Not so fast Tim, there a few things that you need to consider. When was the last time you had the wheel bearings repacked and the brakes inspected?
Tim:    I am not sure Al, I have been on a couple of long trips and they have not been done since I purchased the trailer.
Al:       Well Tim, a wheel bearing repack and brake inspection should be an annual event, especially if you are going on any long trips. Remember Tim it is less stressful and more cost conscious to have the work done at your local RV dealer than to have a wheel bearing fail on the highway on a Sunday evening on your way home.
Tim:    That’s a great suggestion Al, I’ll get that done when I have planned my next RV trip.
Al:       Just remember Tim, your dealer books up very quickly in the spring, so you might want to contact them early to schedule the work, that way you know everything will be fine for your trip and no last minute panic because your dealer is all booked up.
Tim:    I’ll do that. It will give me a good reason to go into the service department and have coffee and discuss what’s new in accessories for ‘08.
Al:       Good idea Tim, you can also look through their catalogues and even pickup a copy to take home. Just remember that when you pull your RV out of storage, take care of any maintenance issues left over from last year. You can discuss what is necessary with your service department.
Tim:    Good thoughts Al, I guess “be prepared” is the motto. RV’ing is meant to be fun without any hassle. It’s a great way to make new friends and keep in touch with old ones. So we can entertain, we are going to consider purchasing some comfortable chairs.
Al:       Well Tim, you should consider a pair of Faulkner “Zero Gravity” Recliners.
Tim:    Al, I don’t want to float away
Al:       No Tim you won’t. These are a reclining lounger, that when you recline in them you feel like you are floating.
Tim:    Al, that sounds like a great idea. If we had a pair of them and matched them with a 9x12 patio mat we would be all set to entertain.
Al:       Whatever it takes, Tim, to make RV’ing easier and more fun.
Tim:    Hey Al, how can I make leveling my RV a little easier?
Al:       Well Tim, there are several items that can help, such as a power tongue jack and a set of Lynxx levelers.
Tim:    Lynx, I thought that was a wild cat!!
Al:       No Tim, Lynxx Levellers are a set of 10 interlocking pads that lock together to give you different heights to run your RV wheels onto. This will level your unit left to right. Then use your power tongue jack or landing gear to level your unit front to rear. Presto…trailer is level. Just a reminder Tim, lower your stabilizer jacks just enough to take the bounce out of the trailer when walking in it. Do not lift you RV with them.
Tim:    Wow!!...there sure is a lot to know about RVs.
Al:       There is Tim, but after a while it all falls into place. One nice thing about RV’ing though is that there are lots of friendly and knowledgeable people that can answer your questions and even give you some help.
Tim:    Well Al, thanks for all your help. I am going to plan my spring breakout maintenance schedule and then plan my trip.
Al:       Good plan Tim, with RV’ing becoming more and more popular, it is becoming necessary to schedule your service requirements ahead of time and to make park reservations well in advance to avoid disappointment